Attachment 1 - 539-21-211_RFI AE Responses.pdf

-Question 1- The Specs read as though a CQC and SSHO person will be on site along with the site superintendent. Can the superintendent act as either the CQC or SSHO?

-Answer 1- Contractor Quality Control and Site Safety and Health Officer, as relates, to quality and safety, the Superintendent can act as both.

-Question 2- Is there a Geotech report for the area where the caissons are to be installed? Can a Geotech report be provided?

-Answer 2- A&E contractor stated there are no new Geotech reports for this project but did provide the previous being used for this project, which is being attached to Amendment 0003.

-Question 3- Are there specs for caissons?

-Answer 3- Spec section 31 63 26 Drilled Caissons has been added to the project. See Addendum No. 02 for description and specification.

-Question 4- The following note is on the structural drawing.

NOTE: ALL SHAFTS MUST BE TESTED FOR GAS BEFORE

ENTERING. REFER TO SPECIFICATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL

INFORMATION REGARDING, TEMPORARY CASINGS, AND

DOWN-HOLE INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS.

Is this note referring to sending a man down the drilled shaft? There are no specs to reference.

The drilling sub that we are looking at will not send a man down a shaft. Please clarify the governments expectations.

-Answer 4- This requirement and note has been removed from structural sheet S101. See Addendum No. 02 revision and drawing.

-Question 5- Spec Reference: 010000 General Requirements; 1.22 Photographic Documentation – This spec section requires a commercial photographer and various elements of photographic documentation during construction. Please confirm this is a requirement for this contract.

-Answer 5- This is a VA TIL spec reference. The VA shall determine if they want to enforce this requirement. Periodical photographs of the project could be completed by the GC but since this is an exterior main entrance to a VA medical center, they may want to have a professional photograph the finish project. Again, this will be at the VA’s discretion.

-Question 6- The Drawing Index on sheet G001 references sheet A311 – Canopy Sections.

This drawing was not provided in the bid set. Please provide the referenced drawing sheet.

-Answer 6- The incorrect drawings were sent out to bid. The drawings and specs that should be disseminated for bidding are called 539-21-211 100% Bid Drawings and 539-21-211 100% Bid Specs respectively and both dated 10/28/2021.

-Question 7- Is the COVID-19 vaccine a requirement for all personnel of the contractors, including people that would never actually be working on site (office personnel, office managers, etc.)? Or is the compliances with these safety guidelines only applicable to contract workers, working on-site on a day-to-day basis (tradesmen, technicians, on-site managers, etc.)? Please verify COVID vaccination requirements for this project.

-Answer 7- Per IFB Amendment 36C25022B0002 0002 posted to Contract Opportunities on 10 December 2021, the VHA Supplemental Contract Requirements for Ensuring Adequate COVID- 19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors verbiage and FAR Clause 52.223-99 (Deviation) Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors has been suspended and all language and clauses have been removed from this IFB.

-Question 8- Drawing C-501 under detail 2 shows two different shallow foundation security bollards. One is an internal locking bollard, the other a fixed bollard. Does the VA have a preference between the two details that are shown? These are two different systems, but fall under one detail.

-Answer 8- Use the fixed bollard detail.

-Question 9- The spacing for the bollards and planters (which are reinforced by bollards) called out on CS-101 is not consistent with crash rated devices. Most vehicles are less than 8’ wide so the current drawings do not meet a crash rating. Typical spacing for bollards is 3’-5’ (Latest DoD list attached for reference). Please advise on the spacing of the bollards that is required, in order to meet a crash rating.

-Answer 9- The increased spacing (6' and 8') was agreed to by the VA during design as a way to reduce the number of bollards.